Change is in the air ... AGAIN!

Greetings one and all....

Some wise people like to say that the only thing constant is change.  That certainly seems to be the case here at CIEE Tanzania.  In the five short years since we began out here, we've gone through a number of programmatic and staffing changes, all of which have strengthened our program and made us better at what we do!  And our newest staffing changes are no exception.

We are excited to announce that Mr Paulo Kateme has stepped up from his role as our language and cultural trainer to Program Coordinator (aka: the RD's right hand man).  Paulo has been with us for over two years as our multi-level language trainer and cultural expert and he is well into his first semester as Program Coordinator where he consistently proves that he truly is THE MAN! We love Paulo!

Mwalimu, Paulo

I am also excited to announce that I (Jenifa) will be stepping down as CIEE TZ's Resident Director as I embark on new and exciting adventures.  It has been an awesome ride working with so many incredible students, and making connections that will last a life time.  I am grateful for all of the work we have done together and am so proud of this new program that we created.  I plan to continue stalking this program from a distance to keep a close eye on how our new RD takes it to new heights!  

And so, without further ado .... Let us introduce our new Resident Director Justin Beckham (not to be confused with the OTHER Beckham).

Justin is based here in Iringa where he lives with his wife, Sarah and son Juma.  He has been living and working in Tanzania for the past 15 years, the past three in Iringa as a project manager and field coordinator for a Johns Hopkins University research study on the drivers of HIV/AIDs rates in the region. Justin hails from California but was himself a study abroad student in Zanzibar in 1999, and led a group of fellow undergraduates back to Tanzania in 2001. Thus began his study of Swahili, local histories, and his love for the country, leading to a BA in History and African Studies, followed by advanced degrees in history at Yale University and extensive research on the 1964 Zanzibar revolution on Pemba Island. Fluent in Swahili and now conversant in the local Iringa language of Hehe, he's passionate about language and cultural preservation as tools in development.

Justin’s recent work has taken him to every corner of the Iringa Region, and put him in contact with teachers and students at the University of Iringa as well as the dedicated staff at Foxes' NGO, CIEE’s host institution. All his varied work and travel experiences have well prepared Justin for Iringa's Resident Director position. He is excited to share Iringa's wonders, challenges, and opportunities with CIEE students.

Justin and his son, Juma

It is difficult to let go of my baby, but I can't imagine two more qualified leaders to take the helm.

Congratulations Paulo, and welcome Justin!